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Monday, December 23, 2013

Drama: This photograph, taken by passenger Harriet Tolputt, shows the aftermath of the crash, with the plane's wing buried in a building

Boeing 747 veered off taxiway and buried right wing in the brick structure

Flight to the UK had been preparing to take off from Johannesburg

All 182 passengers were led from plane to spend the night in a hotel

British Airways says an investigation into the crash is underway

A British Airways jet crashed into a building just before take-off at Johannesburg's main airport last night, injuring four airport officials.
The flight, which was on its way to London, veered off the taxiway as it headed to the runway and buried its right wing in the two-storey brick structure.
A spokesman for OR Tambo airport said all 182 passengers were taken off the 747 to spend the night in a hotel.
A statement from the South African Civil Aviation Authority's (SACAA) preliminary report, the B747-400 aircraft was cleared for takeoff on Runway 03L.

It said: 'It was confirmed to the SACAA that the air crew got instructions from the Air Traffic Control to taxi using taxi way B. The crew continued onto taxi way M which is narrower resulting in the aircraft impacting on an office building behind the SAA Technical hangers.

Fuel spillage was reported from the aircraft after the smash but this was contained by the airport fire services without further incident

'Four officials (of Bidvest, a South Africa-based distribution services and trading business) who were in the building were injured by the debris. The 17 Crew and 185 passengers who were in the aircraft escaped unharmed and were evacuated from the aircraft through door no. 5.

Fuel spillage was reported from the aircraft but this was contained by the airport fire services without further incident.

The SACAA dispatched investigators last night and early this morning they witnessed the recovery of the aircraft as well as the removal of the flight recorder from the aircraft. The investigation continues.

Harriet Tolputt, head of media for Oxfam, was on the flight and snapped the picture above.

The accident took place at OR Tambo airport, the busiest in Johannesburg. File picture

Probe: British Airways has launched an investigation into what caused the 747, similar to this one, to crash just before take-off

She posted on Twitter: 'BA plane crashes into building at J Burg airport. No one injured only the pilot's pride. Not impressed that first class passengers get off before premium economy during an emergency.'

British Airways said an investigation was underway.

A spokesman said: 'A British Airways Boeing 747 was damaged while taxiing at Johannesburg airport.

'The 182 customers disembarked safely and there were no reported injuries on board the aircraft.

'Customers were looked after by our staff and provided with hotel accommodation and we are arranging alternative flights for them.

'We have launched a full investigation into the incident and are giving our assistance to the independent South African Civil Aviation Authority with the matter.'

The South African Civil Aviation Authority said it wishes a 'speedy recovery' to the injured officials. Pictured, Johannesburg's skyline